Search Continues For Albino Cobra Loose In Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — More animal control officers have been sent to Thousand Oaks to search for an albino monocled cobra that got loose after biting a dog.

KNX 1070's Megan Goldsby reports the attack happened late Monday afternoon in the backyard of a home in the 1300 block of Rancho Lane near Rancho Road.

The greyhound, who is named Kiko, was bitten in the neck and taken to a veterinarian. Kiko is expected to make a full recovery.

The 5-foot-long cobra photographed by the dog's owner is venomous and dangerous, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. The dog's owner reported the bite to authorities Tuesday, but neighbors were not alerted until Wednesday.

"Have you seen a picture of this thing? Have you studied what this thing can do?" neighbor Peggy Soloman said. "This is a deadly, poisonous snake."

It's not known who owns the cobra, although a company that rents out exotic animals for film and TV shoots is just 10 miles away. The company, Brocketts Film Fauna, advertises an albino monocled cobra available for rent but could not be reached for comment. Authorities say they are looking into whether the cobra belongs to the company.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife and LA Animal Services officers responded to the area in an effort to find the snake.

"There's not a whole lot at this point we can do," said wildlife officer Dennis Rosenburg.

According to international snake catcher Jules Sylvester, who wrangles the animals for film production shoots, the cobra is unlikely to go unnoticed.

"He'll probably glow in the dark, he's that white," Sylvester said. "I'm sure we'll spot him again."

Local residents were advised to keep a close watch on their pets and small children indoors.

If anyone sees the snake, immediately call 911 or (818) 991-0071.